Red Sox homer their way past Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers for World Series title

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Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez makes sure to tag the Dodgers’ Chris Taylor after he struck out on a dropped third strike to begin the fifth inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw warms up in the outfield as the Budweiser Clydesdales travel the outfield before game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers Mickey Hatcher and Orel Hershiser throw out the first pitch before the start of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Mickey Hatcher and Orel Hershiser get their photo taken after Hershiser throws out the ceremonial first pitch to his old catcher before game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Dodger great Orel Hershiser waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw stretches before the start of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. The Dodgers trail the Red Sox 3-1 in the series. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox Steve Pearce is greeted by teammates after hitting a 2-run homer in the first inning of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw reacts to Boston Red Sox Steve Pearce hitting 2-run homer in the first inning of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers David Freese, #25, points to the right field seats as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers Yasiel Puig connected on this pitch for a single in the 2nd inning of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers David Freese connected on this pitch in the 3rd inning for a triple in game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers David Freese, 25, beats the throw to Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, 11, for a triple in the third inning of game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox David Price, #24, chases down Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, 22, to tag him out on the first base line during the 5th inning in game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Actor Jason Bateman and Jimmy Kimmel in the stands before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Actors Matt Damon and Billy Crudup in the stands before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce, center, celebrates with teammates after his two-run home run in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price throws to the plate in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers David Freese watches his solo home run leave the park in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers David Freese celebrates his solo home run in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers David Freese celebrates his solo home run with third base coach Chris Woodward in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado shows his displeasure with home plate umpire Jeff Nelson after striking out swinging to end the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese is greeted at the top of the dugout after his solo home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

in the xxx inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Dodgers’ first base coach George Lombard jogs to his position during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Dodgers’ first base coach George Lombard during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price walks to the dugout after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to end the second inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price reacts after getting Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Enrique Hernandez to pop up with a runner on second to end the third inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after getting the Boston Red Sox’ Xander Bogaerts to hit into a double play to end the top of the fourth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Protesters hang a banner off the top deck in support of transgender rights during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manager Dave Roberts looks over his notes next to bench coach Bob Geren in the fifth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chris Taylor leaps in vain looking for Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts’s solo home run in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw walks around the mound as Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts rounds the bases after his solo home run in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ Mookie Betts, right, celebrates with Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi after his solo home run in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ Mookie Betts celebrates in the dugout after his solo home run in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts talks to reporters before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw stretches in the field before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

The Budweiser Clydesdales make their way across the outfield before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Orel Hershiser throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is greeted by Enrique Hernandez in the dugout before the start of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw watches a two-run home run by Boston Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce leave the park in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw walks to the dugout after giving up a two-run home run by Boston Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw walks to the dugout after giving up a two-run home run to Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce during the first inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout after giving up a two-run home run by Boston Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese celebrates his solo home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese celebrates his solo home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese celebrates in the dugout after his solo home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate in the first inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado strikes out swinging to end the first inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. In 16 postseason games this month, Machado batted .227 with more strikeouts (18) than hits (15), though he did have a team-high 12 RBIs. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax applauds after the top of the first inning during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Dodgers’ first base coach George Lombard watches Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price pitch in game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Dodgers’ first base coach George Lombard talks with Yasiel Puig after his single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox in game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price throws to the plate in the third inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese slides into third for a triple against the Boston Red Sox in the third inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese slides into third for a triple as Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers applies a late tag in the third inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado can’t reach a single by Boston Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez in the fourth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts as the Boston Red Sox’ Mookie Betts rounds the bases after his solo home run in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw heads to the dugout after giving up a solo home run to the Boston Red Sox’ Mookie Betts in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout after giving up a solo home run to the Boston Red Sox’ Mookie Betts in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout after giving up a solo home run to the Boston Red Sox’ Mookie Betts in the sixth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout after giving up a solo home run to the Boston Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez in the seventh inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw watches a solo home run by the Boston Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez leave the park in the seventh inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez celebrates as he scores past Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes after his solo home run in the seventh inning inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Boston’s J.D. Martinez trots home as Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks at the scoreboard after Martinez’s solo home run during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez celebrates his solo home run with Xander Bogaerts after scoring past Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes in the seventh inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox J.D. Martinez, #28, is greeted by teammates after he knocked in a solo homer in the 7th inning in game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez celebrates with Christian Vazquez after his solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager and Chase Utley, from left, watch from the dugout railing during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price reacts after getting Los Angeles Dodgers Yasiel Puig to ground out to end the seventh inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ Steve Pearce points to his teammates as he celebrates hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ Steve Pearce, center, celebrates with Xander Bogaerts and Christian Vazquez after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager and Rich Hill, from left, watch from the dugout in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Fans applaud as Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price is removed in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price is taken out of the game in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers look on from the dugout in the 9th inning in game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. Boston won the game 5-1 and the series 4-1. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez, jumps on pitcher Chris Sale after he struck out Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Machado, #8, to win the World Series. Boston won the game 5-1 and the series 4-1. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Dodgers fans don’t look happy during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

A Red Sox fan celebrates during game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig watches from the dugout during the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes hangs his head in the dugout next to Justin Turner in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez sits in the dugout after giving up a home run to the Boston Red Sox Steve Pearce, his second of the game, in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez stands on the mound as the Boston Red Sox Steve Pearce rounds the bases after his second home run of the game in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox Steve Pearce rounds the bases after his second home run of the game abasing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Pedro Baez stands on the mound as the Boston Red Sox Steve Pearce rounds the bases after his second home run of the game in the eighth inning of game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

Boston Red Sox celebrate their World Series win after Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale struck out Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Machado, left, in the 9th inning in game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium Sunday, October 28, 2018. Boston won the game 5-1 and the series 4-1. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ David Price celebrates with The Commissioner’s Trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox celebrate with The Commissioner’s Trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Boston Red Sox’ Steve Pearce celebrates after being name the World Series MVP after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game five of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

LOS ANGELES — A year ago, the Dodgers trudged off into the winter with no regrets, at least none that they would admit.

They were just as good as the Houston Astros, they believed, just as worthy of a championship. It had eluded them but they would return to claim what they felt they deserved.

It’s going to be hard to convince themselves of that this time.

The World Series mulligan they craved lasted just five games. The Boston Red Sox dismissed them in Game 5 on Sunday, hitting four home runs (two by Series MVP Steve Pearce) in a 5-1 victory to claim their fourth World Series title in the past 15 years.

For the second year in a row, baseball’s champion was crowned at Dodger Stadium and it wasn’t the home team, an indignity no team had experienced since the 1936-37 New York Giants.

“We did too many bad things in the playoffs and that’s why the Red Sox are the World Series champs for 2018 and we’re losing again, back-to-back Series,” Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig said. “Everybody in this clubhouse feels bad. Everybody feels sad. But we didn’t do the things to win a championship.”

It took the longest game in the history of the World Series for the Dodgers to even get one victory in this Series. Their wait for a title will go into a 31st year and another blue October will be remembered for the slumped shoulders of Clayton Kershaw.

Whatever demons have denied Los Angeles for three decades now have saved their most pointed torment for Kershaw.

“Disappointed. Yeah, just disappointed, I think,” Kershaw said when asked his emotions after coming up short in October again. “There’s only one team that can win and we know that. But it just hurts worse when you make it all the way and get second place. So having done that two years in a row now – it doesn’t make it any easier.”

No longer the Superman who had tried to will the Dodgers to a championship in the past, this Kershaw with the diminished velocity gave up three home runs Sunday – a two-run shot to Pearce in the first inning, putting the Dodgers down to stay, and solo homers to Mookie Betts (ending an 0-for-13 slide) and J.D. Martinez.

“I thought honestly Kersh was throwing a good game,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said. “Solo homers got us in the end. He kept us tight, 2-1, for most of the game. Then a couple mistakes to a really good team over there. They have a good lineup. They make you pay. I thought we were doing a pretty good job, for the most part. They just kind of outslugged us.”

Pitching in a postseason game that could end the Dodgers’ season for the 10th time (thesixth start), Kershaw now has a 5.40 ERA in those games. Six of the 10 were season-ending losses for the Dodgers and Kershaw has given up eight home runs in those potential elimination games, more than any other pitcher in history.

In his six starts in those elimination games, Kershaw has a 6.06 ERA. According to Baseball-Reference.com, only 24 pitchers in baseball history have started four or more elimination games for their team. None have an ERA as high as Kershaw in those must-win situations.

“He doesn’t quit, man. He’s one of the best,” said Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, Kershaw’s teammate in six painful Octobers now. “People need to be grateful to see a pitcher like that in their generation. We might not see another one in a while. He might go down as one of the best lefties to ever play this game.

“Yes, we struggle. You can say whatever. You can say we struggle in the postseason or whatever. Still, I’m proud of Kersh. I’m proud of how he competes. He never gives up. He goes out there and competes and tries to lift his team. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way and you fall short. But that’s what gets us better. I know that Kersh is going to keep motivating himself and try to get back here on this stage next year. That’s what we’re going to do now.”

Whether Kershaw makes that effort in a Dodgers’ uniform remains the first off-season question the team needs to answer. After Sunday’s loss, Kershaw again said he has not made a decision on his opt-out clause, saying he has three days to decide whether to use it – correcting himself from earlier this month when he thought it was a 10-day window after the end of the World Series.

“I’ve got three days now to think about all of that stuff before anything happens,” Kershaw said. “So it will be an eventful three days for me and I’ll try to figure it out.”

The postseason redemption Kershaw must crave belongs to Red Sox left-hander David Price this fall. Pitching on short rest, Price held the Dodgers to three hits over seven innings in Game 5, claiming his second victory in the Series. Two of the hits in Game 5 came from David Freese, placed in the leadoff spot because the Dodgers didn’t know how long the left-handed Price would go before being replaced by a right-handed reliever.

Freese did his part. He homered off Price in the first inning and legged out a triple in the third when right fielder J.D. Martinez lost his deep fly ball in the dusky sky.

But the Dodgers stranded Freese at third after that gift, their only at-bats with runners in scoring position in Game 5. That was just as well. They hit .200 (4 for 20) with RISP in this series and a dreadful .192 (20 for 104) in the postseason – a number remarkable for not having sunk their chances earlier.

For all the criticism of Dave Roberts’ pitching decisions – they weren’t good – it was a lack of offense that did sink the Dodgers ultimately.

They hit a weak .180 (34 for 189) in the World Series and were outscored 28-16 by the team that led baseball in runs scored this season. When it came time to adjust against a steady diet of good pitching, the National League’s home run leaders failed to do it adequately and slugged only occasionally.

With Price pitching on short rest in Game 5, the Dodgers’ goal was to drive up his pitch count and get him out of the game or capitalize on his fatigue. That never materialized. They went down on fewer than 10 pitches four times in the first seven innings against Price, keeping his pitch count low enough for him to pitch into the eighth inning and hand the ball where he handed the ball to Joe Kelly.

The Dodgers didn’t even put a ball in play over the final two innings. Kelly struck out three Dodgers in a row in the eighth. Chris Sale did the same in the ninth. Freese’s gifted triple was the Dodgers’ last hit until next spring.

“I expect us to be back here next year – but celebrating on the field,” Roberts said.

Bill Plunkett has covered everything from rodeo to Super Bowls to boxing (yeah, I was there the night Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear off) during a career that started far too long ago to mention and eventually brought him to the OC some time last century (1999 actually). He has been covering Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register since 2003, spending time on both the Angels and Dodgers beats.